4 Simple Ways to Create a Professional Image: A Guide for Startups

Launching a startup is an important milestone. But in order to grow your business, you’ll need to create professional image for your brand.   A business’ image is the fastest way for potential new customers to get an idea of whether or not they would be interested in your company.  In this guide, we’ll discuss how to give your startup a more professional image.

In today’s crowded marketplace, consumers have endless choices for almost any product or service.  And if you want to take your startup to the next level, you need to create a professional image that will resonate with your customers right away.

In this quick guide for startups,  we’ll share some of our top tips for building your brand and creating a professional, polished image that will wow your customers and kickstart your growth.

Get a Business Phone Number

A business phone number is a must-have for every startup company.  When building the foundation for your small business, you need to be able to project the same level of credibility as any other company in your industry.  Business phone numbers are a great way to position your startup as a larger, more established company.

A business phone number is a simple, flexible and reliable way to manage your company’s communications and avoid using your personal number for your professional needs.  Plus, you’ll experience far better call quality and service with a dedicated business phone number.  (After all, there are so many toll free providers on the market, and it’s so easy to switch; your provider can’t afford to offer less than top quality service.)

Invest in a Business Website

Your website is often the first representation of your business that a potential customer will see and your first opportunity to impress them or lose them entirely.  An attention-grabbing and user-friendly design can distinguish your business from competitors and create a memorable experience for potential customers.

You can demonstrate credibility on your website by displaying customer testimonials and reviews.  These endorsements can really boost your startup’s professional image, especially if visitors can see details of who’s associated with your company.  If you do business with a larger company, make sure to promote this connection on your website.

Establish a Social Media Presence

An effective social media presence can help brands create a professional image as well as long-lasting, meaningful relationships with their clients.  Something as simple as setting up a business Facebook page is a great way to grow your reach and provide an outlet for customers to contact you.  An added bonus is that social media platforms are often free, which is perfect for a small startup with a limited budget.

There are a variety of social media platforms you can utilize for your startup, but it’s important to choose ones with the right audience for your business.  While every industry has preferred channels, there are certain factors that can help you figure out which network is best for you: the service you’re offering, your target audience and where your business is located.  For example, if your startup offers a service to business leaders, you may want to start with LinkedIn.

Become a Networking Guru

Networking is an essential step in growing any startup company or small business.  But it is not a process in which you try to get as much as you can from another party; networking is really  about the value that two companies can offer each other.

A lot of startups that are new to networking make the mistake of trying to connect with the tens of thousands of businesses that are out there.  As a result, they quickly become overwhelmed and end up making connections with companies that may not be the best fit.  If you’re just getting started with networking, have a game plan ready and do your homework beforehand.  (In this case, your homework is to find likeminded companies whose products and services complement your own.)

And remember: when you attend any networking event, have a handful of business cards ready!  Business cards are still relevant for networking worldwide and you don’t want to have a wonderful conversation with someone, and then just walk away.  Your business card should feature your name, the name of your startup, contact number and email so that you’ll be able to keep in contact with those that are interested in working with you in the future.

A professional image can take some time to establish.  But when you focus on important steps like building a strong business website, cultivating a social media following, and establishing strong business relationships through networking, it’s a whole lot easier!  Implementing these tips into your business strategy will not only make your startup look professional, but can play a key role in achieving your first-phase goals.